First-year Churchill College English student Angel Totterdell-Woods was given a rare opportunity this Easter to step inside one of Britain’s most prestigious media organisations. Thanks to funding from the College’s Tizard Opportunities Fund, Angel was able to take part in the Times Academy, a four-day training course held at the News UK offices in central London, designed to give aspiring journalists an introduction to the world of professional journalism.
Elected deputy editor of a Gen Z-style Times Magazine, Angel returned from the week with new skills, fresh insights and a clearer sense of her future ambitions, and she has shared her experiences here.
The Times Academy
Facilitated by the support of Senior Tutor Dr Rita Monson who secured me the Tizard Opportunities Fund, I was able to take up my invitation to The Times Academy held at News UK headquarters this Easter. This opportunity provided me with an insight into the mechanics behind political, business, and cultural journalism; I spent the majority of the week as deputy editor of a Gen Z style Times Magazine, supported by editorial conferences, insights from Editor Tony Gallagher and a variety of panellists, and discussions around the future of print and AI integration.
After pitching my opinion piece to the cohort on day one, sparking some lively debate, I was elected as deputy editor and began work on The Times Magazine. Under the guidance of Mark Hudson, Head of Diversity and Early Talent at News UK, I collaborated with editor Jess Wescott to organise and instruct a committee of sub-editors, feature writers, and opinion writers. Once roles were delineated, I aided the various writers in researching their articles and worked with Jess to develop cover graphics and finalise headlines. Informing a feature on ‘the tracking matrix,’ I also interviewed Dan Atherton, Deputy Data Editor for The Times, who provided a fascinating insight into the collection and use of The Times engagement metrics and data sets. Atherton emphasized integrity, commenting that the Times ‘never pass stuff off as [their] own’ and ‘never publish stuff that isn’t credited’. Tracking apps should likewise prioritise transparency ‘to make sure that people are aware of where their data goes’. Atherton’s interview was both valuable for our feature and astute advice to carry forward in my personal journalistic pursuits.
On the final day, I helped research and write the script for a 20-minute news show which went from planning to filming in under three hours, filmed in the News UK studio with the help of the production team, and rounded off the week with an engaging talk from Christopher Longcroft, The Times EVP.
The Academy was extremely informative, developing my understanding of journalism ethics, of pitching a feature, and of the enormous variety of departments operating synergistically to produce the news we read every day. Not only has the week advanced my expository writing skills, but it has also cemented my interest in pursuing fashion journalism both during and after my degree. It was a privilege to be immersed in the behind the scenes of UK media. It was also fantastic to work with the Times staff, especially Mark Hudson, who said that the team and I did an amazing job.
That being said, the experience hinged on the Tizard Opportunities Fund, which enabled my attendance. Academic enrichment opportunities such as The Times Academy are invaluable for both student growth and future employability. Funding for Churchill students thus plays a crucial role in exploring career choices, gaining industry experience, and diversifying interests.
Outside of the Academy, I am a fashion writer for Varsity and the president of Churchill Sewing Society, Fabricated, and you can often catch me at Cavenstitch on a Sunday. Churchill is a warm and friendly college; I enjoy Churchill’s Jazz scene, our themed formals, and the vibrant student community which makes Churchill fun both academically and socially.
In the future, I hope to pursue a career in fashion journalism or fashion business perhaps through the Management Studies Tripos, aspirations which my week at The Times has helped solidify. I am now confident that my creative interests can complement my literary pursuits; the opportunities fund has positively influenced the trajectory of my future ambitions. I am excited to continue these interests at Churchill.
